Valve for inflatable objects

ABSTRACT

A self-sealing valve comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and a support member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of under 35 U.S.C. § 120 ofcommonly-owned, co-pending U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 10/328,406,filed Dec. 23, 2002, which is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 ofcommonly-owned, U.S. Pat. application Ser. No. 09/867,071, filed May 29,2001, and issued on Jan. 21, 2003 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,508,264, which is acontinuation under 35 U.S.C. §120 of commonly-owned, U.S. Pat.application Ser. No. 09/230,066, filed Jan. 19, 1999, and issued on May29, 2001 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,237,621, which claims priority under 35U.S.C. §371(e) to International Application No. PCT/US97/12231, filedJul. 14, 1997, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S.Provisional Pat. Application Serial No. 60/022,151, filed Jul. 19, 1996,and which are all hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to a self-sealing valve and, moreparticularly, to any low pressure inflatable device that includes theself-sealing valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,267,363 (hereinafter the “'363 patent) and5,367,726 (hereinafter the “'726 patent”) disclose a valve and a motorfor inflating and deflating inflatable objects. FIG. 62 illustrates atop view and FIG. 63 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodimentof dual-valve assembly disclosed in the '363 and '726 patents. The valveincludes a flange 152 that may be mounted to a wall of an inflatablebody in a location proximate to a port through which air is transferredbetween an interior and an exterior of the inflatable body. The flange152 has a throat 1521 through which all air passes that is beingtransferred between the interior and the exterior of the inflatablebody. The throat 1521 is defined by a circular rim 1522. In addition, acover assembly 153 including a cap 1533 is used to removably cover thethroat 1521. A ring-shaped base 1531 is disposed around an exterior ofthe circular rim. The cap 1533 is attached to the base by means of ahinge assembly 1532. The cap may be latched into a closed position by alatching arrangement including a latch projection 1535 on the cap andlatch receptacle 1536 on the base. When the cap is closed, a gasket 1534is urged against the top 1523 of the rim 1522 so that the gasket issubmitted to compression, to seal the dual-valve assembly.

[0004] Disposed within the dual-valve assembly 153 is a valve assembly154. The valve assembly includes a diaphragm 1544 and valve stem 1547.The valve stem and the diaphragm are supported by a valve stem support1549 which is attached to the cap 1533. The dual-valve assembly alsoincludes a structure defining an inflation input 1542 and a valve seat1543, that the diaphragm rests against in a closed position to furtherform a seal of the dual-valve assembly. The diaphragm can be accessed byan individual at the inflation input and can be pushed axially withinthe dual-valve assembly in a downward direction into an open position bypressing on a push button 1546. The diaphragm is urged into the closedposition when the push button is released by a spring 1548, disposedwithin the valve stem, that pushes against a portion of the valve stemsupport.

[0005] Thus, the '363 and '726 patents disclose a valve that can be usedto inflate and deflate an inflatable device wherein the diaphragm movesdownward in an axial direction towards an interior of the inflatabledevice away from the valve seat during inflation and that moves upwardin an axial direction towards the valve seat to seal the valve. However,the dual-valve assembly disclosed in the '363 and '726 patents isapproximately 4″×5″ and therefore requires substantial space formounting within an inflatable object. However, many inflatable objectscannot accommodate a valve assembly of this size and therefore there isa need for a smaller valve assembly that can be mounted within smallerinflatable objects. In addition, many inflatable devices have acontoured surface and therefore there is a need for a valve that can bemounted on a contoured surface area. Further, the dual-valve of the '363and '726 patents requires nine separate parts to be manufactured andassembled and therefore is costly and difficult to manufacture, assembleand maintain. Therefore, there is a need for a valve that requires lessparts, is cheaper to manufacture and assemble, and is easy to maintain.Moreover, the dual-valve disclosed in the '363 and '726 patents hasredundant devices for sealing the valve which contribute to theexcessive parts and cost. Therefore, there is a need for a valve thatprovides a suitable seal that does not require redundant structure toaccomplish the self-seal. Still further, since the valve is to beinserted within an inflatable device, there is a need for the valve tobe easy to use and easy to clean and/or repair.

[0006] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to providea self-sealing valve assembly for use in inflatable devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] One embodiment of a self-sealing valve according to theinvention, comprises a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valveseat, a support member and flexible diaphragm. The valve housing isconfigured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit. The flexiblediaphragm provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit, and comprises anarea larger than an area of the fluid conduit and a periphery. Thesupport member is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragmand the support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to positionthe flexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduitin a closed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitatemovement of at least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragmin a first direction away from the valve seat to an open position.

[0008] One aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is it canbe combined with a container having an interior, an exterior, a wallseparating the interior and the exterior, and a port in the wall fortransferring fluid between the interior and the exterior, and whereinthe valve housing is attached to the wall of the container so that fluidbeing transferred between the interior and the exterior of the containerpasses through the fluid conduit of the valve housing.

[0009] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing, the support member and the flexible diaphragm areconfigured to maintain the flexible diaphragm at a valve seat side ofthe valve housing.

[0010] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing has a first part disposed about a perimeter of thevalve housing that may be attached to the container wall, and a secondpart coupled to the first part that includes the valve seat and thefluid conduit.

[0011] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe support member and the flexible diaphragm are constructed andarranged so that an act of fluid injection of sufficient pressure intothe container is sufficient to cause the at least the part of theperiphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in the first direction intothe open position to permit an influx of fluid into the container.

[0012] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing, the support member and the flexible diaphragm areconfigured to maintain the flexible diaphragm in the closed positionabsent external forces.

[0013] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing can be flush mounted to the wall of a fluid containerso that the valve housing is either substantially coplanar with orbeneath the wall of the fluid container.

[0014] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the valve assembly are constructed and arranged sothat a sufficient fluid pressure created within a container maintainsthe at least the part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm againstthe valve seat when there is an absence of an influx of fluid.

[0015] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing comprises a lip disposed about a perimeter of thevalve housing that may be directly attached to a container wall.

[0016] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatit further comprises a stiffening device that reduces a flexing of theflexible diaphragm except for the at least the part of the periphery ofthe flexible diaphragm.

[0017] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatit further comprises a locking device that is constructed to allow theflexible diaphragm to be placed into a locked open position.

[0018] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatit further comprises a releasing tab, that can be contacted to releasethe locking device.

[0019] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe support member and flexible diaphragm are configured to suspend theflexible diaphragm so that no supporting structure exists under theflexible diaphragm.

[0020] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged to providenon-axial movement of the at least the part of the periphery of theflexible diaphragm in a direction not substantially along an axis of thefluid conduit, in the first direction and in the second direction.

[0021] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged to provideaxial movement of the at least the part of the periphery of the flexiblediaphragm substantially along an axis of the fluid conduit, in the firstdirection and in the second direction.

[0022] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged to provide ahigh volume of fluid transfer over a low pressure range through thefluid conduit.

[0023] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing is constructed and arranged so that substantially anypart of the flexible diaphragm may be contacted to regulate the transferof the fluid through the self-sealing valve.

[0024] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged so that theflexible diaphragm has a plurality of interactive positions with thevalve housing.

[0025] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged so thatflexible diaphragm may be removed and replaced with another flexiblediaphragm.

[0026] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatit further comprises a device for connecting and disconnecting the valvehousing to a fluid control device.

[0027] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe support member is flexible.

[0028] Another aspect of an embodiment of the self-sealing valve is thatthe valve housing and the flexible diaphragm are configured to retain atleast an additional portion of the periphery of the flexible diaphragmfrom moving in the first direction.

[0029] Another embodiment of a fluid valve comprises a valve housinghaving a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a support member and a flexiblediaphragm. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid through thefluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a seal of the fluidconduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluid conduitand a periphery. The support member is configured to retain a portion ofa flexible diaphragm. The support member and flexible diaphragm areconfigured to position the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat ina closed position of the valve, and to facilitate movement of at least apart of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first directionaway from the valve seat to an open position.

[0030] Another embodiment of a self-sealing valve comprises a valvehousing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, a flexible diaphragm and asupport member. The valve housing is configured to pass fluid throughthe fluid conduit. The flexible diaphragm provides a self-seal of thefluid conduit, and comprises an area larger than an area of the fluidconduit and a periphery. The support member is configured to removablyretain a portion of the flexible diaphragm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Other objects and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when taken inconnection with the following drawings. It is to be understood that thedrawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intendedas a definition of the limits of the invention.

[0032] The foregoing and other objects and advantages will be more fullyappreciated from the following drawing in which:

[0033]FIGS. 1-2 are cross-sectional side views of a first embodiment ofa self-sealing valve attached to an inflatable body according to thepresent invention, wherein a diaphragm is in a sealed position;

[0034]FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 2 of the valve of FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrating an inflatable bodybeing deflated;

[0035]FIGS. 4 and 5 are a side cross-sectional view and a frontcross-sectional view, respectively, corresponding to the valve of FIG. 1illustrating the valve in the closed position under internal pressure ofthe inflatable device;

[0036]FIGS. 6-7 are a front cross-sectional view and sidecross-sectional view, respectively, of the valve of FIG. 1 illustratingdeflation;

[0037]FIGS. 8 and 9 are a top view and a cross-sectional side view,respectively, illustrating a second embodiment of a self-sealing valveaccording to the invention;

[0038]FIGS. 10 and 11 are a cross-sectional front view and top view ofthe second embodiment, including a protective cover;

[0039]FIGS. 12-16 are cross-sectional side views that show the secondembodiment in respective states of operation including seated, unseated,at rest, and during inflation;

[0040]FIGS. 17-19 are cross-sectional views of a third embodiment of aself-sealing valve according to the invention;

[0041]FIGS. 20 and 21 are a top view and a cross-sectional side view,respectively, of the third embodiment, wherein a diaphragm is notinstalled;

[0042]FIGS. 22 and 23 are a top and a side view, respectively, of thediaphragm used with the valve of FIG. 17;

[0043]FIGS. 24 and 25 are a top view and a cross-sectional side view,respectively, of the valve housing of a fourth embodiment of aself-sealing valve according to the invention;

[0044]FIGS. 26-28 are a top, end, and side cross-sectional view,respectively, of a diaphragm hanger arm of the fourth embodiment;

[0045]FIGS. 29-32 are a pair of top and cross sectional side views,showing the valve of FIG. 24 in two states of operation, seated andunseated;

[0046]FIGS. 33-36 are cross-sectional side views showing the valve ofFIG. 24 in four states of operation including inflation, seated,pressure control, and deflation, respectively;

[0047]FIGS. 37-39 are an end, a top, and a cross-sectional side view ofa valve housing of a fifth embodiment of a self-sealing valve accordingto the invention;

[0048]FIGS. 40 and 41 are a top and a side view of a diaphragm hangerarm of the valve of FIG. 37;

[0049]FIGS. 42 and 43 are a top and a cross-sectional side view of thevalve of FIG. 37, showing a housing, the hanger arm, and a diaphragm;

[0050]FIGS. 44-47 are cross-sectional side views showing the valve ofFIG. 37 in four states of operation including inflation, seated,pressure control, and deflation, respectively;

[0051]FIGS. 48 and 49 illustrates a sixth embodiment of a self-sealingvalve according to the invention, with a top view and a cross-sectionalside view, respectively, the side view showing the valve in a seatedcondition;

[0052]FIGS. 50 and 51 illustrate the valve of FIGS. 48 and 49 in twostates of operation, inflation and deflation, respectively;

[0053]FIGS. 52-54 are cross-sectional side views illustrating a seventhand preferred embodiment of self-sealing valve according the inventionwith cross-sectional side views showing the valve in three states ofoperation including seated, pressure control, and deflation,respectively;

[0054]FIGS. 55 and 56 are top views of the valve of FIG. 52, showing thevalve without and with the hanger arm and diaphragm, respectively;

[0055]FIGS. 57 and 58 show a portion of an inlet wall not mated and ahanger arm, respectively, of the valve of FIG. 52;

[0056]FIG. 59 illustrates a portion of an inlet wall and the hanger armof the valve of FIG. 52 in an operating position;

[0057]FIG. 60 is a top view showing the hanger arm of the valve of FIG.52 in a locked open position;

[0058]FIG. 61 illustrates the hanger arm of the valve of FIG. 52 duringinstallation into the valve housing;

[0059]FIG. 62 illustrates a top view of a self-sealing valve of therelated art;

[0060]FIG. 63 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a self-sealing valveaccording to the related art; and

[0061]FIG. 64 illustrates an inflatable device in which any of theembodiments of the self-sealing valve of the present invention may beused.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] A self-sealing valve of the present invention can be mountedwithin an inflatable object such as, for example, an inflatable mattress12 having a self-sealing valve 10 as illustrated in FIG. 64. Themattress can be inflated, deflated, and a pressure of the mattress canbe controlled using any of the self-sealing valves of the presentinvention disclosed infra. Although in the examples and description ofthe various embodiments of the self-sealing valve that follow, thedescription of inflation of the inflatable object refers to the use ofair, it is to be appreciated that any suitable fluid may be used forinflation such as, for example, water or nitrogen, and that the use ofsuch fluid with the self-sealing valve of the invention is within thescope of the invention. It is also to be appreciated that although amattress is illustrated as an inflatable body for which any of thevalves of the present invention may be used, the self-sealing valves maybe used with any inflatable body such as, for example; inflatablefurniture or sporting items such as chairs, mattresses and pillows;inflatable safety devices such as life preservers, barriers, bumpers,and pads; inflatable medical devices such as supports, casts and braces;inflatable luggage devices such as padding and luggage lining materials;inflatable recreational devices such as swimming aids, floats, tubes andrings; inflatable vehicles and vehicle components such as boats, raftsand tires; inflatable support structures such as buildings, portableenclosures, platforms, ramps and the like.

[0063] It is further to be appreciated that any of the valves disclosedinfra according to the present invention can be used in connection witha motor such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,363, (hereinafterthe “'363 patent”) and U.S. Pat. No. 5,367,726 (hereinafter the “'726patent”) which are herein expressly incorporated by reference. Moreoverit is to be appreciated that a preferred operating range of theself-sealing valves of the present invention is between approximately0-10.0 psi. Further, according to the present invention a range of about0-1.0 psi is defined as a low pressure range, a range of approximately1.0-2.0 psi is defined as a medium pressure range and a range ofapproximately 2.0-10.0 psi is defined as a relatively high pressurerange. It is to be appreciated that the preferred operating range hasbeen defined to be up to 10.0 psi, any pressure above 10.0 psi at whichthe valve still provides a self-seal is intended to be within the scopeof this invention

[0064] Referring to FIG. 1, a valve 10 is seated in an inflatable object12 that has an outer shell 14 that defines an interior 16. The interioris filled with a fluid or gas, typically air. Valve 10 has a moldedplastic frame 20 that includes a circular flanged outer periphery 22that is generally coplanar with shell 14. Preferably the valve isconstructed of PVC or polyurethane, however, a more rigid and strongermaterial may be used for higher pressure applications. A valve wall 24having a diameter less than that of outer periphery 22 defines acircular opening 26 through which air is transferred to and from theinterior. At its outermost, the opening has a diameter that ispreferably about one inch or greater. The wall 24 has a constantdiameter portion 25 and an outwardly tapered portion 28 that increasesthe diameter of the opening to a circular, increased diameter portion30. The upper edge of wall 24 has a radiused inner edge at its outermostend for comfort in case the object is inflated orally.

[0065] A retaining rib 36 extends across a diameter of increaseddiameter portion 30. Centrally located on the retaining rib is avertical support post 38 which extends toward the circular opening 26. Afloating diaphragm 40 rests on the support post. The diaphragm has acentrally located handle 42 at a top side, and a tapered indentation 44on a bottom side that mates with support post 38. Thus, the rib providesstability and limits movement of the diaphragm toward the interior.Diaphragm 40 is generally circular, deformable, very flexible, and has adiameter that is slightly less than the inner diameter of the increaseddiameter region 30, and greater than the diameter of portion 25. Taperedportion 28 has an inwardly facing wall 29 that serves as a shoulderagainst which outer periphery 46 of the diaphragm may contact.Indentation 44 and support post 38 help keep the diaphragm centered.

[0066] Diaphragm 40 may optionally be connected to frame 20 through atether 48, which may just be a flexible wire or sling other than thisoptional tether. The diaphragm is preferably not otherwise rigidlyconnected to any part of the rest of the valve.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the valve is illustrated duringinflation. Referring first to FIG. 3, which is a view taken at 90°relative to FIGS. 1 and 2, air is provided along arrows 50. The air maybe supplied by a motor, as with a hand or foot pump, or orally or withsome other inflating device. The motor can be similar to the motordescribed in my U.S. Pat. No. 5,267,363. Because of the flexibility ofdiaphragm 40, periphery 46 bends relative to centered handle 42. As airis provided into the object, the diaphragm automatically bends inward,without additional user input, to allow the air flow into the interiorof the object.

[0068]FIGS. 4 and 5 are views corresponding to FIGS. 2 and 3,respectively, when the inflatable object is under pressurization withair pressure represented by arrows 60. When air is no longer providedand the interior is under pressure, the pressure automatically pushesdiaphragm 40 away from support post 38 so that periphery 46 is pressedagainst wall 29 of tapered section 28 of the frame. The diaphragm thusseated forms a hermetic seal when pressed against the frame. A cap 64rib, or other rigid member can be further provided for slightly higherpressure situations, or in order to provide greater security against airloss. The cap may have a tether 65 to prevent the cap from being lost.The cap helps to form a hermetic seal since the handle of the diaphragmcontacts the cap when the object is under pressure, thus also helpingprevent deformation by the diaphragm. The cap may be a snap-on type,similar to the type commonly used with plastic milk containers. For amore durable seal, the cap may incorporate an O-ring (not shown) toprovide a seal in conjunction with the diaphragm serving as a checkvalve. Various other cap attachment means, may be used such as abayoneted fitting, etc.

[0069]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate views of valve 10 during deflation. Todeflate, a user grasps handle 42 with two fingers and squeezes theflexible diaphragm to allow air to escape as indicated by arrow 62. Thisaction lifts the diaphragm off the support post. To reduce the pressure,the user can push directly on the diaphragm to allow some air to escape.The user could entirely deflate this way, but it would be moretime-consuming than removing the diaphragm. If a cap is used, it wouldfirst be removed.

[0070] According to the present invention, the valve automatically opensto accommodate pressurization and automatically closes to retainpressurization. In order to depressurize and deflate, a user can veryeasily grasp the diaphragm and can remove it outwardly through theinlet. At low pressurization, it is not necessary to have an additionalcap, but at higher pressurization, a cap might be useful and may benecessary.

[0071]FIGS. 8-16 illustrate another embodiment of a self-sealing valve75 of the invention intended for use with any low to medium pressureinflatable device. As in the previously described embodiment, the valveis self-sealing, allows both rapid inflation and deflation, and providessimple, ready means of adjusting and controlling pressurization of aninflatable device.

[0072] Similar to the valve in FIG. 1, the valve employs a valve housing78 with a wide orifice, circular air inlet passage defined by a rim 79which is centrally located within the housing. The rim's inner wall 84opens to the underside of the valve housing which widens to provide avalve seat 81 for valve diaphragm 88. The valve housing's outermost edge89 has a flanged periphery to accommodate attachment to a bladder ormembrane 77 of an inflatable device.

[0073] The valve diaphragm 88 is deformable and has a centrally located,upwardly extending handle 96 with a projecting rim 108. Contained withinthe opening of the air inlet is a diaphragm hanger 80, secured to thewall 84 of the inlet at one end (Point A) and latched to the opposingwall at the other end (Point B). The hanger spans the width of the innerwall 84 and secures the floating diaphragm 88 within the valve housing.The hanger does not restrict movement at the periphery of the diaphragm,so that the outer periphery 92 can flex downward during inflation,removal, and re-insertion.

[0074] The diaphragm handle 96 is captured within slot 100 in thehanger. The slot allows a continuum of positions. There are twopositions for the diaphragm, one at each end of the slot, where itshandle 96 sits in openings of increased diameter (102 & 103). At opening102, centered in the valve housing, the diaphragm is captured loosely.In situations requiring inflating of substantial volume and pressure,the diaphragm automatically moves downward to maximize airflow (see FIG.16) and upward to a sealed position following inflation (see FIG. 12).

[0075] While the hanger allows the diaphragm to move vertically withinthe inlet for proper inflation and sealing, it also prevents excessivevertical lifting of the diaphragm during periods of increased pressurewithin the inflatable device.

[0076] Fingertip action on the diaphragm's handle 96 will urge thediaphragm to slide sideways within slot 100 to the off-center opening103 (see FIG. 13). This opening is located near the end of the hanger,where the hanger is rigidly attached to the inner wall of the air inlet(Point A). Adjacent to this point of attachment, the hanger incorporatesa spring-mounted hinge 112 which, in response to further pressure in thesame sideways direction as is required to move the diaphragm from thecenter position to the off-center position, causes the hanger to beunlatched. As the hanger is unlatched, the diaphragm is unseated,thereby allowing deflation of the inflatable device (see FIGS. 14 & 15).

[0077] When the diaphragm rotates out of the air inlet, it contacts thewalls of the inlet and flexes inward assuming a “U” profile. Whenrotated back into the housing, the diaphragm returns to its originalshape.

[0078] The handle 96 on the diaphragm has a projecting annular surface140 that restricts the free vertical movement of the floating diaphragm.It prevents the diaphragm from dropping away from the valve seat underits own weight and serves as a lock (or check valve) to maintain thediaphragm in the sealed position even in the absence of air pressurewithin the device. This feature is of particular importance duringmanual inflating where the injecting of air may be intermittent. Thelocked position (see FIG. 12) prevents air loss that can occur betweenbreaths or between strokes of a pump. In the locked position, thediaphragm cannot drop suddenly if pressure within the inflatable devicefalls to a level where it cannot support the weight of the floatingdiaphragm, thereby preventing sudden, rapid air loss.

[0079] Under certain conditions, setting the diaphragm in the unlocked(unsealed) position (as shown in FIG. 16) prior to inflation can improveinflation efficiency. With the use of a low pressure, high volume,steady-state inflation source, the unlocked position can increaseairflow.

[0080] Since the area immediately below the diaphragm is unobstructedthe bottom of the diaphragm is accessible through the flexible membraneof the inflatable device, providing means for moving the diaphragm fromthe unlocked to the locked position.

[0081] The latching end of the hanger may have an opening 144 to supporta cylindrical plunger 148. Upon pressurization of the inflatable device,the plunger slides vertically within the hole and is forced upward asthe diaphragm rises to the sealed position. The plunger can be manuallyforced down (i.e. via fingertip) to temporarily interrupt the seal.Thus, a user can effect small air releases for the purpose of adjustingpressure within the device. Alternatively, any other area within the airinlet that allows access (such as, for example, fingertip access) to thediaphragm may be used for such a purpose, wherein the diaphragm istemporarily unseated by direct contact of a fingertip.

[0082]FIGS. 17-23 illustrate another embodiment of a self-sealing valveof the invention, which is intended for use in any low to mediumpressure inflatable device. Similar to the previously describedembodiments, the valve is self-sealing, allows both rapid inflation anddeflation, and provides a simple ready means of adjusting andcontrolling pressurization of an inflatable device.

[0083] The valve employs a valve housing 200 with a wide orifice,circular air inlet passage defined by a wall 204 which is centrallylocated in the housing. The wall 204 opens to the underside of the valvehousing which widens to provide a valve seat 208 for a valve diaphragm212. The outer rim 216 of the valve housing accommodates attachment tothe film or membrane which comprises the inflatable device.

[0084] The valve combines the wide-orifice inlet with a fixed diaphragmhanger 220. The diaphragm hanger consists of a configuration of inwardlyextending ribs 228 rigidly attached to the inner wall 224 of the airinlet, to which the valve diaphragm is removably attached, and fromwhich the diaphragm is suspended and located within the valve housing.

[0085] The hanger rib configuration forms a generally extending Y-shapedhanger 220 with ribs that radiate inward from the air inlet inner wallto the center of the inlet passage. Proximate the upper access, thesingle ribs extend at an angle, in parallel juxtaposition, to create thethird spoke. Juxtapositioning these ribs creates a space, or slot 232,between the ribs, into which a mating rib 236 projecting from the topsurface of the diaphragm is inserted to secure the diaphragm intoposition. At the point where the hanger ribs are juxtaposed, the ribsassume an opposing “L” shape profile, leaving the bottom of the slot 239narrower than the top of the slot. The widened section of the slot 240accepts an enlarged area 244 projecting at the top of the matingdiaphragm rib, creating a “hanger” from which the diaphragm issuspended, thereby securing a vertical alignment of the valve diaphragmand the valve housing.

[0086] Horizontal alignment is achieved by interlocking the valvediaphragm 212 in the hanger slot 232. A constriction 248 near the end ofthe slot, formed by projections in the slot, captures the enlarged area244 of the mating diaphragm rib and prevents horizontal movement of thediaphragm during operation.

[0087] Near the center of the valve diaphragm 212, an additionalenlargement 252 to the surface of the diaphragm rib provides limitedinterference with the hanger slot 232, holding the diaphragm in a closed(substantially sealed) position and preventing the valve diaphragm fromdrooping or flexing downward under its own weight, away from the valveseat. For purposes of inflation and deflation, this interference iseasily overridden. External air pressure during inflation will force thediaphragm out of the closed position. Fingertip pressure on the targetarea 256, initiates deflation and will also override the interference.

[0088] The enlargement 252 near the center of the diaphragm rib has anadditional function. The limited interference works in both directions.In addition to holding the valve diaphragm 212 in a closed position, italso holds the diaphragm in an open position 260, away from the valveseat during deflation. During deflation the enlargement interferes withthe bottom of the hanger so as to prevent upward movement of thediaphragm, maintaining the valve in the open position.

[0089] Fingertip pressure on the target area 256 can be employed totemporarily interrupt the seal and allow controlled release of the air,providing a simple means of adjusting pressurization of the inflatabledevice. The valve self-seals upon removing the fingertip pressure.

[0090] For installation and replacement of the valve diaphragm 212, thediaphragm is inserted into or removed from the diaphragm hanger 220through the exterior of the air inlet orifice.

[0091] The ribs are configured to securely position the diaphragm withinthe valve housing and to provide maximum air flow through the air inletorifice. The ribs are also configured to allow the diaphragm to bemanually deflected for temporary interruption of the air seal.

[0092] For more substantial air release, such as during deflation, theribs and diaphragm are additionally configured so that with furthermanual depression of the diaphragm the diaphragm will be moved to apoint where it will be held in a partially open position, facilitatingair release.

[0093] The diaphragm is secured with the operating position at a point264. The point works in combination with an interlocking lip in thediaphragm 268 to secure a closed position regardless of the internalpressure of the inflatable device. For rapid inflation, with maximumairflow, if the lip on the diaphragm is in the locked position, it canbe manually unlocked by pressing the diaphragm into the orifice at thepoint 256. Upon pressurization, the diaphragm automatically moves to thelocked position. During temporary interruption of the seal, thediaphragm will normally stay in the locked position. For maximum airrelease during deflation, further deflection of the diaphragm will moveit into an unlocked position 260.

[0094] In an alternative configuration of the valve housing, the outerrim of the air inlet is a removable component and may be separated fromthe valve housing. The removable rim itself will accommodate variousinternal configurations according to the pressurization/performancerequirements of the device the valve is used with.

[0095]FIG. 24-36 illustrate another embodiment of the self-sealing valveof the invention. The diaphragm (300) is positioned within the valvehousing (304) by a movable horizontal arm (312) which suspends thediaphragm in the center of the air inlet (308). This arm, a rotatingdiaphragm hanger (312), is removably contained within the air inlet ofthe valve housing, with one end secured laterally, adjacent to theinside wall (316) of the air inlet. The point of attachment isconfigured to allow the hanger to pivot downward into the valve housing,a motion which unseats the valve diaphragm and opens the airpath intothe bladder as required for both inflation and deflation of aninflatable device.

[0096] The hanger flares outward towards the inner wall of the air inletcreating a “paddle” surface (320) which overspreads much of the airinlet. The expanded horizontal surface of the paddle provides stabilityto the surface of the flexible diaphragm (300) as it rotates back andforth from the seated to an unseated position. The paddle also enhancesmanipulation of the hanger (by fingertip) for pressure control. Thepaddle as shown in the drawings has a continuous surface at itsperimeter. Alternative paddle configurations are being considered whichemploy a more open paddle structure, such as for example, radiatingribs, etc are intended to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0097] The pivot point (324) includes a hinge “pin” (328) suspended viaa pair of ribs (329) from the underside of the pivoting hanger (312) anda surface with a mating recess (332) formed on the inside walls (336) ofa pair of fixed arms (340) which extend horizontally inward from theinside wall (316) of the air inlet.

[0098] The pivot point works in combination with surface projectionsextending from both the valve housing and the hanger arm to:

[0099] A) restrict movement of the valve diaphragm to prevent outwardmovement of the valve diaphragm into the air inlet (as may occur underpressurization), or to prevent rotation of the diaphragm through thevalve housing into the inflatable device.

[0100] B) secure the diaphragm alternatively in an open and a closedposition.

[0101] C) suspend the hanger and diaphragm in a substantially closedposition while allowing both to flutter from a partially open to asealed condition in response to external or internal pressure.

[0102] To accomplish (A), the vertical rear edge (356) of the pair ofribs (329) suspending the hinge pin (328) bear on the inside wall of theair inlet at Point F (360), preventing the hanger from rotating upwardbeyond a horizontal position. Downward rotation of the hanger isrestricted by the pair of fixed arms (340), as they bear on theunderside of the top of the hanger (see FIG. 32).

[0103] In certain applications, additional support may be necessary inorder to accomplish (A). Point L (364) may be added at various locationsaround the inside perimeter of the air inlet. It includes an overhangingprojection extending inward from the inner wall of the air inlet whichbears on the perimeter of the paddle surface of the rotating hanger.

[0104] To accomplish (B), a second pair of projections (368), extendingfrom the inner side walls of the rotating hanger removably engage withthe tabs (372) integral to the fixed arms (340). Once in a downward(open) orientation, interference created by the tab and matingprojection prevents the hanger from freely rotating back to thehorizontal position, thus maintaining the valve in an open position inorder to facilitate deflation. This interference may easily beoverridden, either manually (by pressing through the bladder's flexiblemembrane upward on the bottom of the diaphragm) or by pressurization(internal air pressure resulting from full inflation or compression ofthe bladder).

[0105] The projections and opposing surface work in combination with aspring action integral to the fixed arms (340). The spring action, alateral flexure resulting from the slim vertical profile of the arms,allows the arms to flex inward. In doing so, the combined width of thearms compress, overriding the interference created by the projection andopposing surface. The ability of the fixed arms to flex laterally inthis manner enables the hanger (and the diaphragm) to be removablysecured in both an open and a closed position.

[0106] The drawings (see FIGS. 31 and 32) illustrate the above describedflexure. Alternative sources of flexure, in keeping with the generalvalve configuration disclosed here, have been considered: flexure withinthe rotating hanger could either supplement or replace the spring actionof the fixed arms.

[0107] To accomplish (C), the projections 368 located on the inner sidewalls of the hanger have an inclined surface. When pressure is appliedand the hanger rotates downward, the incline forces the pair of fixedarms to compress (employing the arms' spring action). With removal ofpressure, the spring arm returns to its natural position. As it returns,it bears on the incline and lifts the hanger (and diaphragm) back to ahorizontal (sealed) position. The ability of the valve to freely flex inthis manner facilitates the following:

[0108] 1) increases the efficiency of manual inflation. As manualinflation involves a pulsed injection of air, it is important the valveautomatically seal between pulses (preventing air loss); and

[0109] 2) allows adjustment (control) of pressurization. To enablecontrolled releases of air while the device is in use, it is importantthat the hanger be both accessible and that it move freely to facilitatepartial opening of the diaphragm (finger tip actuation) and automaticsealing of the diaphragm thereafter.

[0110] The pair of ribs (329), containing the segmented hinge “pin”,extend downward from the underside of the top surface of the hanger.Sideways flexure of these ribs provides means for attachment or removalof the hanger from the valve housing. When the hanger is in operatingposition (hinged and open), sideways movement of the top surface of thehanger at Point M results in an inward flexing of the ribs, allowing thehinge “pin” to move away from the mating surface on the fixed arms, andthus dislodging it from the hinge point. The inward flexing occurs asthe hinge “pin”, with its curved outer edge, slides over the pin'smating surface at Point U. A radius softened edge at Points V combineswith the pin's curved outer edge to reduce interference and allowremoval and insertion of the hanger.

[0111] Reversing this sideways motion causes the “pin” to engage. Theribs containing the hinge “pin” again flex inward, allowing the pin tomove into the hinged position.

[0112] Removal and insertion of the hanger (and the valve diaphragm)would not be part of the normal operation of the valve, occurring onlyupon the installation of a new hanger or diaphragm into the valvehousing, or as a maintenance function.

[0113]FIGS. 37-47 illustrate still another embodiment of theself-sealing valve of the invention. In a simplified version of thevalve of FIGS. 24-36, the diaphragm is also positioned within the valvehousing (400) by a movable horizontal arm (404) which suspends a valvediaphragm in the center of the valve housing's air inlet. As in thevalve of FIGS. 24-36, this arm, a rotating diaphragm hanger, isremovably contained within the air inlet (408) of the valve housing,with one end secured laterally, to the inside wall (412) of the airinlet. As in the valve of FIGS. 24-36, the point of attachment isconfigured to allow the hanger to pivot downward into the valve housing,unseating the valve diaphragm and opening the airpath into the bladderas required for both inflation and deflation of an inflatable device.

[0114] As in the valve of FIGS. 24-36, the rotating diaphragm hangerincludes a paddle surface (416) concentric with the air inlet andoverspreading a substantial portion of the inlet.

[0115] Serving as the valve diaphragm (420), a circular disc made of aflexible, air impermeable material, is suspended from the center of thepaddle surface. A hole configuration (422) allows the circular flange(423) projecting from the center of the top of the diaphragm to passthrough the underside of the rotating arm and lock the diaphragm insuspension.

[0116] Two parallel ribs (424) extending from the paddle surface to aslotted section (428) in the rim (432) of the air inlet include hingepins (436) which mate with a recessed area (440) located in eithersidewall (444) of the slot, thus defining a pivot point.

[0117] Between the ribs, running parallel with them, a leaf springmember (448) extends form the center of the paddle surface to the wallof the air inlet. Bearing on an angled surface (452) recessed in thewall of the inlet, the spring is configured to hold and maintain therotating arm (and the attached valve diaphragm) in a horizontal positionwhile allowing both to rotate downward into the valve housing uponinflation or deflation.

[0118] Another rib (456), integral to the rim of the valve housing,running perpendicular to and just above the parallel ribs of therotating arm, serves as a barrier and prevents the rotating arm fromrotating upward beyond a horizontal position.

[0119] As the arm rotates, the end (460) of the leaf spring moves in arecessed area (461), which includes angle (452). This area and the endof the spring provide a combined configuration which:

[0120] 1) allows the rotating arm to rotate inward with the applicationof pressure and return to the horizontal position when pressure isremoved (see FIGS. 44 and 45), and

[0121] 2) removably engages with the rib, such engagement causing therotating arm to maintain the valve in an open condition in order tofacilitate deflation (see FIGS. 46 and 47), and

[0122] 3) restricts downward motion of the rotating arm into the valvehousing (see FIG. 47).

[0123] So configured, it is envisioned that the valve will operate inessentially the same way as the valve of FIGS. 24-36.

[0124] A further variation of the self-sealing valve of the invention isillustrated in FIGS. 48-51 and involves a flexible diaphragm supportedin a fixed location within the valve housing, located so as to allow theouter diameter of the diaphragm to seat against the mating surface ofthe valve housing and provide a complete hermetic seal subsequent toinflation, the seal resulting solely from outward pressure due topressurization within the inflated bladder, this pressure forcing thediaphragm to maintain a seated condition (See FIG. 49).

[0125] Likewise, inward pressure during inflation causes the flexiblediaphragm to separate from the valve seat, providing a pathway forinfusing the device with air (See FIG. 50).

[0126] For controlled air release and for deflation, the location of thediaphragm further allows manual partial deflation of the diaphragm awayfrom the valve seat, providing a pathway for exhausting air (See FIG.51).

[0127] The difference between this version of the valve and thepreviously described version is that the point (or points) of attachmentof the valve diaphragm within the valve housing maintain a fixedlocation with respect to the valve seat. The functionality of the valvediaphragm relies upon a fixed location at the point (points) ofattachment while employing the flexibility of the unattached surface ofthe diaphragm to alternatively provide a seal or an air pathway.

[0128] A preferred version of the self-sealing valve of the invention isillustrated in FIGS. 52-61. A diaphragm 602 is positioned within a valvehousing 606 by a movable hanger arm 610 which suspends the diaphragmfrom mounting point 612 in the center of an air inlet 614. The hangerarm is a rotating diaphragm hanger that is removably contained withinthe air inlet of the valve housing, with one end secured adjacent to aninner wall 618 of the air inlet. A point of attachment of the one end ofthe hanger arm to the inner wall is configured to allow the hanger armto pivot downward into the valve housing, a motion which unseats thediaphragm from valve seat 620, a closed position, and opens an airpath,an open position, into a bladder of the inflatable device as requiredfor both inflation and deflation of the inflatable device.

[0129] The hanger arm 610 flares outward towards the inner wall of theair inlet creating a “paddle” surface 622 which overspreads much of theair inlet 614. The paddle surface of the hanger arm provides stabilityto the flexible diaphragm as it rotates with the hanger arm from theclosed position to the open position. The expanded paddle surface of thehanger arm also enhances manipulation of the hanger arm by, for example,a fingertip of a user to, for example, control a pressure of theinflatable device. The paddle surface projects outward to a point 626,extending the length of the hanger arm. This projection bears upon theflexible diaphragm, thereby preventing it from flexing upward when thehanger arm is pressed downward for pressure control or deflation.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 58, the hanger arm incorporates a pair ofprojecting tabs 630, in parallel juxtaposition, extending from thepaddle surface 622 towards the inner wall 618 of the air inlet 614. Thehanger arm can be secured within the air inlet by seating holes 633found in each of the projecting tabs with a pair of hinge “pins” 634that mate with the seating holes. The pair of hinge “pins” are formed aspart of the inner walls of the air inlet, projecting from two brackets636 which extend inward from the inner wall towards the center of theair inlet. There is a contoured section 648 between the hinge “pins” ofthe inner wall of at least one of the brackets and the inner wall of theair inlet. The contoured section interfaces with a contoured end 650 ofthe projecting tabs to provide at least four distinct interactionpossibilities. A first possibility exists when surface 651 on theprojecting tabs bears on surface 652 of the inner wall, restrictingrotation of the arm above a horizontal position, thereby securing thevalve diaphragm in a substantially closed position and preventing thehanger arm and diaphragm from moving out of the valve housing.

[0131] A second possibility exists when beveled surface 655 on theprojecting tab bears on counter-beveled surface 656 on the wall. Aninclined angle of this counter-beveled surface causes the projecting tabto increasingly compress inward as the hanger arm is pressed downwardinto the valve housing. This may occur both during inflation (by airpressure) and deflation (by manual deflection of the hanger arm tounseat the valve from the valve seat). The compression of the projectingtab also results in a counter action, so that, with removal of thedownward pressure the tab “springs” back to its original position andforces the hanger arm and diaphragm to return to the closed position.

[0132] Referring to FIG. 60, a third interaction possibility exists whenthe hanger arm is depressed fully, the projecting tabs rotate slightlybeyond the beveled surface 656 (See FIG. 57) on the inner wall to apoint where there is a recess 660 in the inner wall contour which isconfigured to allow the tabs to expand slightly and lock the rotatingarm in a locked open position.

[0133] This locked open position maximizes airflow through the valvehousing and will, under certain conditions, improve efficiency of bothinflation and deflation. The locked open position has an easy overridewhich responds to, for example, fingertip manipulation (by applyingpressure at, for example, projecting point 664 on the projecting tab),or to internal pressurization of the inflatable device.

[0134] The projecting tabs of the rotating arm may also be extended by achannel 666 within the hanger arm to enhance side-to-side flexure of thehanger arm. The flexure of the hanger arm may be used both for theoperation of the arm, as previously described, and for installation andremoval of the arm into and out of an operating position within thevalve housing as illustrated in FIG. 59. It is useful that the hangerarm be removable/reinstallable in the field by the user, thus it iscontemplated that the arm will be held by the user (with the attacheddiaphragm) and that the user will employ the flexure of the projectingtabs by “squeezing” the projecting tabs, to install and/or remove thehanger arm and diaphragm. The contoured end 650 of the projecting tabs,combines with the contoured section 648 of the inner wall to allow thearm to be inserted above the horizontal position into the valve housingas illustrated in FIG. 61, thereby improving accessibility and ease ofinstallation of the arm. During installation, the “squeezed” hanger armmay be inserted in a vertical orientation with the projecting tabsprojected into the air inlet towards the hinge “pins” 634. Withalignment of the seating holes and hinge “pins”, the user will releasepressure on the projecting tabs, whereby they will spring outward andengage with the hinge “pins”. As the hanger arm and diaphragm are thenrotated downward into the valve housing beyond the horizontal position,the projecting tabs will further expand, seating the hanger arm in theoperating position, where the hanger arm contoured end 650 and thecontoured inner wall 648 prevent movement of the hanger arm above thehorizontal position.

[0135] It is also to be appreciated that for the purpose of installationof the hanger arm and diaphragm, the projecting tabs contoured end andthe contoured section of the inner wall will combine so as to, at leastfor part of the installation, automatically compress the projecting tabsas the hanger arm is “slid” by the user into position, therebyeliminating any requirement for “squeezing” the hanger arm.

[0136] It is further contemplated that the projecting tabs contoured endand the contoured section of the inner wall will combine so as to locatethe seating holes and hinge “pins” in alignment without requiring thatthe user visually direct the movement of the hanger arm to the point ofalignment.

[0137] Thus, the pivot point, and the contour of the hanger armprojecting tabs work in combination with the contoured section of theinner wall to stabilize the activity of the valve diaphragm within thevalve housing so as:

[0138] A) to restrict movement of the diaphragm thereby preventingoutward movement of the diaphragm into or through the air inlet (as mayoccur with pressurization), and preventing inward movement of thediaphragm through the valve housing into the inflatable device;

[0139] B) to secure the diaphragm alternatively in an open and a closedposition;

[0140] C) to suspend the diaphragm in a substantially closed positionwhile allowing it to flutter from a partially open to a sealed conditionin response to external or internal pressure; and

[0141] D) to facilitate installation and removal of the rotating arm anddiaphragm by the user.

[0142] An alternative version of this embodiment of the self-sealingvalve incorporates a partial rib 670 projecting from the bottom side ofthe valve housing, concentric with, and adjacent to a portion of theedge of the flexible diaphragm. As the diaphragm flexes downward (orinward), the diaphragm edge bears upon the rib, providing resistancewhich works with the resilience of the diaphragm to help urge thediaphragm back to the horizontal (sealed) position.

[0143] Still another version of this embodiment includes structure forconnecting the valve housing 606 to any inflation device, such as, forexample, a hand pump, a foot pump, a powered pump, an extension air ductfrom a remote pump source, and the like. Referring to FIGS. 55-56, theperimeter of the valve housing is formed by a flange 674 which serves asa point of attachment to the port of the inflatable body. Adjacent aninterior to the flange is an outer rim 676. The rim includes projectingtabs 680, (or threads, etc.) for the purpose of removably connecting thevalve and the inflation source. These projecting tabs or threads engagewith mating tabs or threads which may be integral to any pump, adapter,or air duct connector. With engagement, the rim 684 (see FIG. 60) of theair inlet becomes compressively engaged (in contact with) a mating rimintegral to the pump, adapter, or air duct connector, providing asubstantially sealed connection. It is further envisioned that, as analternative structure for connecting the valve housing to an inflationdevice, the outer wall 688 (See FIG. 60) of the air inlet couldincorporate “threads” or other structures for attachment or mounting,either directly or indirectly, to any inflation/deflation source knownto those of skill in the art. It is further envisioned that theabove-described embodiment of the self-sealing valve may be providedwith a cover, the cover affording additional protection/security to thevalve's exposed hanger arm and diaphragm. Referring to FIG. 55, thisembodiment of the self-sealing valve may include the cavity 692 locatednear the perimeter of the valve housing for attaching a removable coverto the inflatable device (for covering and protecting the air inlet).The cover may include a mating plug which, when inserted into the hole,would serve to retain the cover with the device, whether or not thecover is in use.

[0144] It is to be appreciated that for each of the above embodiments ofthe self-sealing valve of the present invention the rim of the valvehousing may be removable or, in other words, is not integral to thevalve housing so that the air inlet of the valve can be eitherpermanently or removably attached to the valve housing.

[0145] It is to be appreciated that each of the above-describedself-sealing valves are simple to operate, inexpensive, supportinflation, deflation and pressure control in any low pressure, mediumpressure or relatively high pressure inflatable device. In addition,each of the above described self-sealing valves do not requiremechanical structure to seal the inflatable device and do not requiremanual sealing of the inflatable device. In other words, sealing of theinflatable device is automatic and done under the internal pressure ofthe inflatable device so that each of the above-described valves isself-sealing.

[0146] Each of the above-described self-sealing valves also lack anystructure below the flexible diaphragm, or in other words, each of theabove self-sealing valves suspend the flexible diaphragm in a floatingposition with a structural member. It is an advantage of each of theabove self-sealing valves that the valves allow unrestricted flexure ofthe diaphragm during inflation thereby increasing air flow.

[0147] Each of the above-described self-sealing valves also are easy touse since they automatically open and automatically seal in response toan influx of air and are normally biased to a closed position, and canalso be biased to the closed position in response to pressure within anobject to be inflated. In addition, the flexible diaphragm of each ofthe above-described self-sealing valves can be easily manipulated sothat the inflatable object can be deflated or a pressure within theinflatable object can be controlled.

[0148] Having described several embodiments of the self-sealing valve ofthe present invention, it should be apparent to those skilled in the artthat other variations, features, and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention. For example, the sizeof the opening can be varied in order to accommodate the size of theobject to be inflated. For example, in order to provide air to aninflatable building, such as a tennis bubble, the opening may be verylarge as compared to a valve for use with for example, an inflatablepillow. The valve may also be provided with an extension tube forconnection over the opening 26 to facilitate manual or oral inflation.

What is claimed is:
 1. A self-sealing valve, comprising: a valve housinghaving a fluid conduit, a valve seat, and a support member, the valvehousing being configured to pass fluid through the fluid conduit; and aflexible diaphragm that provides a self-seal of the fluid conduit,comprising an area larger than an area of the fluid conduit and aperiphery of the flexible diaphragm; wherein the support member isconfigured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm; and wherein thesupport member and flexible diaphragm are configured to position theflexible diaphragm against the valve seat to seal the fluid conduit in aclosed position of the self-sealing valve, and to facilitate movement ofat least a part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a firstdirection away from the valve seat to an open position.
 2. Theself-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a containerhaving an interior, an exterior, a wall separating the interior and theexterior, and a port in the wall for transferring fluid between theinterior and the exterior, and wherein the valve housing is attached tothe wall of the container so that fluid being transferred between theinterior and the exterior of the container passes through the fluidconduit of the valve housing.
 3. The self-sealing valve as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the valve housing, the support member and the flexiblediaphragm are configured to maintain the flexible diaphragm at a valveseat side of the valve housing.
 4. The self-sealing valve as claimed inclaim 2, wherein the valve housing has a first part disposed about aperimeter of the valve housing and that may be attached to the containerwall, and a second part coupled to the first part that includes thevalve seat and the fluid conduit.
 5. The self-sealing valve as claimedin claim 2, wherein the support member and the flexible diaphragm areconstructed and arranged so that an act of fluid injection of sufficientpressure into the container causes the at least the part of theperiphery of the flexible diaphragm to move in the first direction intothe open position to permit an influx of fluid into the container. 6.The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 5, wherein the valve housing,the support member and the flexible diaphragm are configured to maintainthe flexible diaphragm in the closed position absent external forces. 7.The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve housingis flush mounted to the wall of the container so that the valve housingis either substantially coplanar with or beneath the wall of thecontainer.
 8. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 2, wherein thevalve housing and the flexible diaphragm are constructed and arranged sothat a sufficient fluid pressure created within the container maintainsthe at least the part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm againstthe valve seat in an absence of an influx of fluid.
 9. The self-sealingvalve as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve housing comprises a lipdisposed about a perimeter of the valve housing that may be directlyattached to the container wall.
 10. The self-sealing valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the flexible diaphragm includes a stiffening devicethat reduces a flexing of the flexible diaphragm except for the at leastthe part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm.
 11. Theself-sealing valve assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising alocking device that is constructed to allow the flexible diaphragm to beplaced into a locked open position.
 12. The self-sealing valve asclaimed in claim 11, further comprising a releasing tab that can becontacted to release the locking device.
 13. The self-sealing valve asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the support member and the flexiblediaphragm are configured to suspend the flexible diaphragm so that nosupporting structure exists under the flexible diaphragm.
 14. Theself-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing andthe flexible diaphragm are arranged to provide non-axial movement of theat least the part of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm in adirection not substantially along an axis of the fluid inlet, in thefirst direction and in the second direction.
 15. The self-sealing valveas claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing and the flexiblediaphragm are arranged to provide axial movement of the at least thepart of the periphery of the flexible diaphragm substantially along anaxis of the fluid conduit, in the first direction and in the seconddirection.
 16. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein thevalve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged to provide a highvolume of fluid transfer over a low pressure range through the fluidconduit.
 17. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein thevalve housing and the flexible diaphragm are arranged so thatsubstantially any part of the flexible diaphragm may be contacted toregulate the transfer of the fluid through the self-sealing valve. 18.The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housingand the flexible diaphragm are arranged so that the flexible diaphragmhas a plurality of interactive positions with the valve housing.
 19. Theself-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve housing andthe flexible diaphragm are arranged so that the flexible diaphragm maybe removed and replaced with another flexible diaphragm.
 20. Theself-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a devicefor connecting and disconnecting the valve housing to a fluid controldevice.
 21. The self-sealing valve as claimed in claim 1, wherein thesupport member is flexible.
 22. The self-sealing valve as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the valve housing and the flexible diaphragm areconfigured to restrain at least an additional portion of the peripheryfrom moving in the first direction.
 23. A fluid valve comprising: avalve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, and a supportmember, the valve housing being configured to pass fluid through thefluid conduit; and a flexible diaphragm that provides a seal of thefluid conduit, comprising an area larger than an area of the fluidconduit and a periphery of the flexible diaphragm; wherein the supportmember is configured to retain a portion of a flexible diaphragm; andwherein the support member and flexible diaphragm are configured toposition the flexible diaphragm against the valve seat in a closedposition of the valve, and to facilitate movement of at least a part ofthe periphery of the flexible diaphragm in a first direction away fromthe valve seat to an open position.
 24. A self-sealing valve,comprising: a valve housing having a fluid conduit, a valve seat, and asupport member, the valve housing being configured to pass fluid throughthe fluid conduit; and a flexible diaphragm that provides a self-seal ofthe fluid conduit, comprising an area larger than an area of the fluidconduit and a periphery of the flexible diaphragm; wherein the supportmember is configured to removably retain a portion of the flexiblediaphragm.